Gossip: Local has ties to Academy Award nominee

Thursday

Jan 30, 2014 at 2:00 AM

Jeanné McCartin has her eyes and ears out for Seacoast gossip. E-mail maskmakernh@aol.com.

Jeanné McCartin

Academy Award nominee

It's only the second time Mark Constance has worked on a project that landed an Academy Award nomination in his 20-plus years in the film industry — and this one is a beaut. Constance was second assistant director for "Captain Phillips," directed by Paul Greengrass, which garnered six nominations, including Best Picture, in addition the Director's Guild Award and numerous other nominations and wins.

Constance also worked "Being John Malkovich" (1999).

"I guess even two is beating the odds. Being part of one of those films is unbelievable," says Constance, of Brentwood. "I can't describe how proud I am to have worked on it — and lucky to get a job."

It was obvious "Phillips" was outstanding during filming, he says.

"I realized this is going to be really good, just like 'John Malkovich,'" he says. "It's rare you get on something so special ... It's just thrilling; I can't even describe it."

The Director's Guild nomination is particularly moving, "because it's voted on by your peers, that really means a lot."

He won't make it to the Director's Guild awards, or the Oscars.

"Sony was not forthcoming with tickets," he says. "But at least I'll get a plaque."

Constance just completed work on "Olive Kitteridge," an HBO mini series based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Elizabeth Strout (with Bill Murray, Frances McDormand and Richard Jenkins), which airs fall 2014.

"This is another one ...; Being TV it's a different award season, but I would believe this one would compete for an Emmy and the Golden Globes," Constance says.

Next? Nothing is set, but he knows Greengrass has a few projects in development and is keeping his fingers crossed.

"I'm waiting for the phone to ring," he says.

A new review

Wayne Atherton, Kittery, Maine, senior editor of The Cafe Review ("Maine's oldest literary and art journal," he notes), was in touch to talk about the winter issue of its 25th anniversary, which features a strong Seacoast presence with "both poets and artists."

The just-released publication includes two poems by Walter Butts (W.E. Butts).

"One is the very last poem he wrote before he passed away, the other shortly before ...; Both are previously unpublished," Atherton says.

It also includes S. Stephanie, Mimi White, past Portsmouth poet laureate, and an interview with Charles Simic, past United States poet laureate, conducted by Timothy Gillis, in addition to other New England poets.

There are paintings by Portsmouth's John Angelopoulos, visual interpretations of Simic's work, and paintings by Katherine Doyle, whose art is featured on the cover and inside.

"I think Katherine's been our most frequent contributor ...; This is her sixth appearance," Atherton says.

Two collages by Butts are included.

"Walter did collage on the side but kept it quiet. They're very good," Atherton says. "There's two by him and one collaborative one with S. Stephanie his wife." Visit www.thecafereview.com.

He's On TV

Andrew Bridges, Exeter, who first hit Portsmouth's stages as Dodger in "Oliver" at Prescott Park at 12, is about to graduate from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, and is prepping the resume.

In addition to his mainstage Seacoast and school performances, he has worked with AVByte on numerous videos, including "Lance Armstrong The Musical," which got TV play and nearly 86,000 YouTube hits. He recently completed a workshop of "Bohemian Lights" with Life Source Collective at Pregones Theater in the Bronx. It was "originally a Spanish play called 'Lucas De Bohemia' that was translated into English," Bridges says. "It was the first time it's ever been performed in English in America, so it's pretty cool."

He's worked other projects with the company in the past.

And yes, that's Bridges you see in the MTV Subway ad.

"It all happened really fast.

That's how it happens in the ad world; auditioned on Wednesday and shot the following Monday ...; and up a month later."

Bridges recently signed with a new manager, and is working with a commercial agency.

So what's next?

"Graduating college, that's the only thing on the docket right now — and a lot of auditions ...; and seeing what happens."

Art challenge

Sharpen the pencil and load up the brush, it's time for the annual ArtPM Challenge. One original piece of art created in the month of February (no crafts, no arguments).

While it's a great opportunity for artists, its also a smart one for collectors "of all income levels," she says. "You can come in and meet new emerging artists, as well as established names. It's a great opportunity to engage."

ArtPM's rules are simple; the piece must be started and completed in the month. It culminates in a "huge group show at Buoy Gallery in Kittery, Maine," Toffic says.

Interested? Register by sending name and a brief description to jtoffic@gmail.com. Drop-off at Buoy is from noon to 8 p.m. March 1.

Toffic won't actually make the drop-off herself. She'll be at the Heima Residency in Iceland for that month; "but Al is perfectly capable, despite how he looks," she says, laughing. "If I can stop freaking out about money I'll be thrilled."

Pitch your play

The Players' Ring 2014 Producers' Meeting, the annual opportunity to pitch a show for the upcoming season (2014-2015), is set for Feb. 24. Ask questions at playersring@myfairpoint.net or check out www.playersring.org.

Jeanné McCartin has her eyes and ears out for Seacoast gossip. E-mail maskmakernh@aol.com.

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